Head Gardener
Hi, I’m Helen Barton, and I have planted Sprouts here in Nottingham. I wholly believe in the importance of drama and role play in a child’s social and educational development. It is becoming increasingly apparent that drama is a very viable method to teach children life-long skills such as self-confidence, focus, respect and awareness of others, and teamwork skills. From being able to inspire where traditional teaching methods may not always work, to allowing children to experience situations that are out of their ordinary every-day lives in a safe manner, and so learning about other people, and other ways of thinking, we can help young children sprout into positive and thoughtful individuals with the confidence to be their own person in life
I have been involved in drama since I moved to Nottingham as a young teenager and became a part of Nottingham Education Theatre Company (Now Nottingham Youth Theatre). I trained as an actor at the Guildford School of Acting. Since graduating in 2002 I have been working in the realm of children’s theatre and entertainment, and for a leading young children’s drama company based in London before moving back to Nottingham to begin this venture.
Assistant Gardeners
Sprouts leaders all have a passion for drama in some way or another, be it their job or their pastime.
They have been chosen for their experience and ideas they can bring to the company, their interest in drama and working with children, and also importantly their character.
A Sprouts leader always has the essential qualities of fun and enthusiasm, and is engaging in their teaching at all times. They will always have a friendly, open and youthful demeanour that will allow the children to relate to them easily.
Each class will always have at least two leaders, all of whom are CRB checked and at least one of whom is First Aid trained for babies and small children.
Any new Sprouts leader will go through a training program with a senior to learn our ideals and standards, and also have a chance to observe a class in action.
Sprouts leaders will be appraised on a regular basis to ensure standards are kept to our high expectations.